Good step to improve engagement in dengue fight

Mr Danny Yeo Eng Chin's idea of engaging a private contractor to help oversee and arrange regular rooftop inspections in private estates ("Help with mozzie checks on rooftops"; Dec 28) is a good step forward in fostering neighbourliness, community engagement and, importantly, promoting more active ownership of the dengue situation here.

I suggest that he float his idea to the relevant neighbourhood committees for their consideration and action.

The National Environment Agency recommends the use of anti-dengue products with the biological active ingredient Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (Bti), which kills mosquitoes before they are old enough to bite.

Unlike many chemical-based insecticides in the market, biological larvicides come in various forms that are easy to use and have far longer residual effect.

They are also safe for application in areas with humans, animals, aquatic life and plants, with no known side effects.

The use of biological larvicides will help translate into greater cost savings, in view of limited resources and time on the part of residents living in private estates.

The Straits Times

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